Stedman Curtis, Delroy Beharie combine for first win this season
Trainer Steadman Curtis and jockey Delroy Beharie teamed up with six-year-old bay mare Treasure Train to win a three-year-old and upwards Claiming ($250,000-$200,000) event over 6 furlongs (1,200m). This race was for horses who have not earned since December of last year and for jockeys without a win this year.
Beharie put Treasure Train in front at the off but allowed Party Princess (Tamicka Lawrence) to go by approaching the home turn with Waltzing Matilda (Jawara Steadman) looping behind in third. Turning for home Treasure Train regained the lead, but again, surrendered that advantage, this time to Stan Roy (Garfield Gordon) at the furlong (200m) pole.
With a quick change of holds and strong urgings on the inside rails, Treasure Train found extra and rallied for the win, three parts of a length ahead of Stan Roy. Reasons (Shaquil McIntosh) came from far behind to get third money. The final tie for the race was 1:18.3.
Diamond Star off the mark
After 20 attempts, the Gresford Smith-owned and trained Diamond Star finally found herself in front when defeating rivals in a native-bred three-year-old maiden condition race (fillies) over 6 furlongs.
Jockey Aaron Chatrie got a clean break aboard Diamond Star and held the chestnut filly in third place, as Little Grovy Thing (Matthew Bennett) and Prime One (Oshane Nugent) set the splits. Going into the half-mile turn, Diamond Star shot to the front and was quickly attacked by Chiney Music (Tevin Foster) as the two drew clear from the field.
Turning for home, Diamond Mile shook off the challenge from Chiney Music and went to win by 10 lengths, in a time of 1:16.2. Itz What Itz (Odeen Edwards) finished second and Prime One third.
Easy does it for Extruder
Trained by Dennis Pryce and ridden by Shane Ellis, five-year-old chestnut horse Extruder (Adore The Gold – Mama Blossom) made light work of rivals, romping home by 8 lengths in a three-year-old and upwards Claiming ($1 million - $800,000) over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m).
Extruder was the first to show on the lead at the off but was quickly surrounded by Mr Universe (Matthew Bennett), who carried the field into the lane.
With a strong challenge on the outside in the deep stretch, Extruder surged to the front and then began to extend his lead with every stride to the wire. Extruder won comfortably ahead of Peking Cruz (Oshane Nugent) and Prince Charles (Romario Spencer).
The final time for the event was a decent 1:07.0.
Voytek gets the job done with equipment change
Running with the tongue-tie on, Voytek (Casual Trick – Royal Dutch) scored a long overdue win in a three-year-old and upwards Optional Claiming ($550,000-$450,000) call going 5 furlongs (1,000m) on the round course.
Going into the half-mile turn, the Gregory Forsyth-conditioned Voytek settled in second position behind Casual Charm (Matthew Bennett) with Anaso (Oneil Mullings) and Chrisanli (Paul Francis) lurking behind.
Casual Charm brought the field into the lane and was quickly attacked by Voytek and a small battle develop after which Voytek drew off to win the race by a length and a half. Lord Ashton (Christopher Mamdeen) came on for second with Strikinglygorgeous (Jordan Barrett) getting third.
Five horses claimed
Five horses were claimed on the nine-race card
In the fourth race, Alford Brown claimed winner Papa Albert for owner Joseph Martin from Lawrence Freemantle; Raymond Townsend claimed Prince Sammo for himself from Lance Richards; Marlon Anderson claimed El Maestro for owner Diamonds from Delroy Waugh, and Ryan Darby claimed Big Paul for owner Raphael Gordon from Steven Todd. All horses from the fourth event were claimed for $250,000 each.
Edward Stanberry claimed Mr Ambassador for owner Lisa Watson for $550,000 from Tyrone Prince from the seventh race.
